Topic: rebuilding calipers
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
O.K. so I replaced a front caliper with a rebuilt,I'm not happy with the rear ones couple of sticky pistons in each one,wanna try to rebuild them myself,I aint got a lot of spare cash right now.I've already checked on local availability on rebuild kits,they've got em.I have rebuilt drum type brake cylinders,but never done calipers.any tricks to doin them,lets hear it guys,I already have a brake cylinder hone,what else do I need
C3VR Lifetime Member #93
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
Former Member
Send PM
Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
I always just buy rebuilt, as I am not willing to risk my safety for a few bucks. But I have seen experts rebuild them. They clean everything several times as Norsky said, and lubricate everything with brake fluid to help assembly. To get the seals in, they use a feeler gauge slipped between the seal and cylinder.
Good Luck
Larry
Good Luck
Larry

Moderator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Watch out for the small o-rings that go between the caliper halves. You'd be surprised at how many don't see/notice those little turds!
Clean them well, hone if needed. While ya got them apart, take the bleeders out, and run a wire down thru the hole to make sure it is clean, all the way thru the caliper(it'll make sense once you see it
).
If the caliper bores are corroded, don't even bother with trying to rebuild...it won't work. The pistons, if corroded can be replaced, but the bores can't be honed if they are corroded....
Good Luck

Clean them well, hone if needed. While ya got them apart, take the bleeders out, and run a wire down thru the hole to make sure it is clean, all the way thru the caliper(it'll make sense once you see it

If the caliper bores are corroded, don't even bother with trying to rebuild...it won't work. The pistons, if corroded can be replaced, but the bores can't be honed if they are corroded....

Good Luck
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I have rebuilt many calipers of many types. But it's often found that there is enough corrosion that it cannot be done. But hey, it often works.
You will need to consider using the original type seals, or go to the o-ring seal. The o ring will tend to hold better when the car sits for a long time, like winter storage. The original seal will hold a bit better is severe braking. The extra pressure actually makes it seal tighter, but only when applied.
Or you can go to Autozone and buy stainless lined rebuilt with a lifetime warranty for about 60 bucks per caliper. That is whats on my car.
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)